Chicago Hawks Launches Heritage Hockey League - Keeping Kids in the Game for Life
The Chicago Hawks Hockey Club is excited to announce the launch of the Heritage Hockey League (HHL) – a new winter house hockey experience designed to revitalize community pride, enhance accessibility, and ensure players can enjoy hockey for years to come.
Recognizing a recent decline in participation in the long-standing Darien House League (DHL) the Hawks listened to families. Feedback revealed that while many kids start hockey, too many leave when travel hockey isn't the right fit. The HHL directly addresses these concerns, building upon the DHL's foundation with a more structured, skill-focused, and team-oriented approach perfect for multi-sport athletes and developing players.
Key feedback shaping the HHL included:
Better Communication & Structure – Families desired clear expectations and stronger connections with coaches and teams.
Stronger Coaching & Skill Development – A demand for structured practices focusing on skill progression, game understanding, teamwork, and hockey IQ to bridge the gap to travel hockey.
Stronger Team Identity & Game Play – A desire for players to feel part of a true team with consistent rosters, jerseys, and balanced competition.
Flexibility for Multi-Sport Families – Acknowledging that many participants play other sports.
The Heritage Hockey League responds to this feedback by introducing:
• A defined developmental pathway for all skill levels
• Dedicated, consistent coaches for practices and games
• Flexible scheduling to support multi-sport athletes
• Increased communication and team identity through organized rosters and jerseys
• Enhanced competition and community partnerships, including potential games against other local house programs
The HHL reimagines house hockey as a premier recreational experience that celebrates the joy, community, and heritage of the sport.
The Premier Recreational Youth Hockey Experience
Season Details:
Duration: January – March 2026
Location: Darien Sportsplex
Evaluations: January 3-4, 2026
Season Begins: January 11, 2026
Divisions: Squirt (8-10), PeeWee (11-12), Bantam (13-14)
Schedule: 10 weeks, 2 sessions per week (1 practice + 1 game)
Each player will receive professional-quality jerseys and socks, skill-based coaching from certified Chicago Hawks coaches, and the opportunity to compete in refereed games with music, announcers, and championship excitement. Special events like an All-Star Weekend and Skills Competition may also be included.
"Our goal is simple," said Amanda Hanlon, Board President of the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club. "We're bringing hockey back to its roots – where community pride, fun, and sportsmanship come first. The Heritage Hockey League gives every kid a place to play, grow, and fall in love with the game for life."
Inspired by the Canadian Heritage Classic, the HHL is a movement to revive house hockey. It offers an affordable, flexible, and fun way for players of all levels and interests to stay on the ice.
Register by November 31st and save $100 with code HHL-EARLY. You will also be entered for a chance to win a puck signed by Chris Chelios!